Scheduled to take place on the weekend of September 10/11, with trains hauled by ‘Met’ stalwarts 0-4-4T ‘Met 1’ and ‘Small Prairie’ No. L.150 between Amersham, Wembley Park and Harrow-on-the-Hill, the much-anticipated event has been called off due to industrial action. This, the LTM said, was: “Beyond our control.”

In a statement, the LTM said: “Heritage events like these involve a great deal of forward planning and preparation. Therefore, even if the proposed industrial action is called off before September 10/11, both the Museum and London Underground will not have enough time to reinstate the operational and logistical resources required to run such a large scale event at short notice.

“While we realise that customers will be disappointed about the cancellation of the steam trips, we want to ensure that ticket holders have enough time to make alternative plans for their weekend. London Transport Museum will be offering refunds to all those who have purchased a ticket.”

Refunds will be automatically given to ticket holders within seven to ten daysThe TM went on to say: “It is with much regret that we have had to take a very difficult decision to cancel these popular yearly steam train trips and we would like to once again apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”